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John Howard ABRAHAM
1947 - 2019
John Howard ABRAHAM
1947 - 2019
Obituary
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BORN
1947
DIED
2019
John ABRAHAM Obituary
John founded "The Watchmen," a Christian music group later known as "Abraham," that he headed up for more than twenty years. During that time, John and the band led thousands of people to Jesus Christ, praying with them and offering spiritual encouragement. As a result of his decades spreading the Word, John was inducted into the Pennsylvania Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2018.
After his time ministering with the band, John and Sandie moved to the Orlando, FL area where he became an Admissions Representative with Full Sail University, serving for more than 20 years. Upon retirement, as a tribute to his mom, Minnie, John briefly served as a greeter at Wal-Mart.
John was preceded in death by his father, Howard "Hub" Abraham; his mother, Minnie Abraham; his son, Eric Abraham; his brother-in-law, Jacob "Jake" Javornik, and his sister-in-law, Brenda Abraham. John is survived by his wife Sandra "Sandie" Abraham, his brothers Ken Abraham (wife Lisa) and Howard "Tink" Abraham; his sister-in-law Mary Jane Javornik; his daughter-in-law Paula Abraham; his nephew Marc Abraham (wife Jennifer); his nieces Sue Clark (husband Chuck); Megan Cook (husband Keith), Ashleigh Abraham Coutu (husband Justin), Alyssa Abraham Kroboth (husband Tim) and Kellee Gouldthorpe (husband Dean); his great-nephews James Watters (wife Stephanie), Justin Mauro and Connor Abraham; his great-nieces Stella, Ruby and Georgia Cook; his great-great nephew Alexander Watters; his beloved friend Loren Greene (wife Karen).
A memorial service celebrating John's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2019 at Legacy Hall Chapel, CrossLife Church, 45 W. Broadway, Oviedo, FL 32765. In leiu of flowers or gifts, donations in honor of John may be made to The 700 Club, c/o The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23463; CBN.com. Click on View Current Tribute Gifts or 800/700/7000.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ray Watkins
August 27, 2019
John invited me to travel with the Watchmen which I did on two occasions. I dedicated my life to Christ while at a Watchmen event in 1978. The Abraham family have been a huge inspiration to my life. I sure do miss those guys and their mom.
Pat and Larry McNutt
May 31, 2019
John was a very special friend that spent time at our home. It was through the Watchman ministry that we dedicated our lives to the Lord. It is with confidence that we are sure he is having a great time with all his friends and especially Eric, Minnie and Hub. We all miss him but know he is enjoying time now with good health.
Peggy Hugill Majot
May 16, 2019
I have often thought of the wonderful days of Watchmen retreats... breaking out in song and worship,so much fun and fellowship, then watching lives get changed as John and the rest of the group ministered from their hearts. What a legacy! Now John is experiencing what he for so many years shared with those of us who were blessed enough to know him, even if for just a season. I pray you sense God's Presence as you go through this time of sorrow.
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Greg Allshouse
May 16, 2019
I will always remember the first time I met John and the rest of the Watchman. I was 16 and they ministered at Wesley Woods UMC church camp in Northwestern PA. The concert was when they were in their "Southern Gospel" style of music. To make a long story short they completed the concert, won souls to Jesus, packed up the bus to leave and we were on to the next part of the retreat. Until John came back in and had a request that went something like this. "We were wondering if we could get some help, our bus is stuck in the wet grass and we were wondering if we could get a push?" Well needless to say we all put our backs into but were not able to push the bus out. If memory serves me it cost more for the wrecker to pull them out than they got for the concert. Thus began a lifetime of memories, more concerts and miles traveled than I can remember, a couple of trips to Hawaii, traveling as a "roadie" every now and then. And the friends I made along the way!
As Carol A says in her remembrance John was like a "Big Brother" to her. I think John was a "Big Brother" to many of us from back then and he continued to minister as a "Big Brother" while he was at Full Sail. He had such a caring heart.
Finally Sandie, and the rest of the family (Loren & Karen too) you are in my thoughts and prayers. Be glad in the knowledge that one day you will be reunited and free of these worldly bonds when we all get to heaven.
Jami Hoblick
May 16, 2019
John was an amazing person and one of my favorite people in the whole world. He was always cracking jokes and making me smile on the days where a smile wasn't coming easy. He will be missed tremendously. My thoughts are with his whole family.
Carol Askey
May 16, 2019
John became like a "Big Brother" to me during my teen years when he was with The Watchmen, and his love, direction and encouragement were both appreciated and needed in those impressionable years in following Christ. John and his family always were accepting and treated me like extended family, and they also were supportive and instrumental in my own singing ministry to other teens/youth. It was evident throughout the years that Sandy was chosen by God to be John's soulmate and helpmate, and that she has been right up to the moment that the Lord called her precious husband home to be with him. There's so much love in my heart for John, Sandy and the Abraham family..you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time and always.❤
Fred & Melanie Fink
May 16, 2019
Many Great memories of the Watchmen/Abraham during the 70's & 80's. These guys lived their music and beliefs. John took control of every audience- He had a true gift of being the front man. Each one had their own talents Tink with Music, Ken with words, Loren vocals and John- John was the the guy the wrapped it up with a neat bow.
Waiting for that reunion concert in heaven
Hedy Miller Hopewell
May 15, 2019
I thank God for John and his ministry with "The Watchmen". I was saved at a gospel retreat in Port Allegany, PA when I was 15. Meeting Jesus changed the course of my life. Traveling with them to Israel and being baptized in the Jordan River was an experience I have always cherished. It's hard to believe so may years have passed. Prayers for all the family. Looking forward to that glorious reunion in Heaven with our Lord and Savior and all of you!
Eve Hartle
May 15, 2019
Words can't express enough how much John and Sandie have meant to me since I was a teen. Both such willing vessels for the Lord. John assisted in my baptism in Israel, memories that I will hold in my heart forever. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with sweet Sandie, all his loved ones. John will never be forgotten and is loved by so many. The Watchmen, always a big part of my life. Thank You Jesus for the reconnection with Sandie, Tink and Loren.
Donna Brammer
May 15, 2019
Many fond memories of John and The Watchmen and their ministry. Through Facebook we were able to reconnect with John and Sandie and share our cares in prayer. John will always be remembered as a true servant of the Lord. We pray for God to surround Sandie and the rest of his family with the peace only He can give.
Karl Peters
May 15, 2019
I'm from the Commonwealth of Dominica small Caribbean island which is English speaking,I met John back in 96 at Full Sail,and we became very good friends,he was a mentor to be someone with a wealth of knowledge and extremely sincere to the core,it's like part of me got blown away hearing of his passing as we spoke about a month in the normal humorous manner,may His soul Rest In Peace
Kathy Moore/Goodhart
May 15, 2019
I have fond memories from Pennsylvania when the Watchmen Ministered at my Church the New Life Center in Ford City. When we would take our son's to Church camp outside of Clymer, my husband would remind our sons, that it was the hometown of the Watchmen! Loved their ministry and music! Praying for peace and comfort for the family.
Rev William & Vernice Hazlett
May 15, 2019
How many years have we known you? Before you became The Watchmen. We watched you grow by the grace of God and cheered you on. Love your whole family!
Rev William and Vernice Hazlett.
Donna Karolick Greenhut
May 14, 2019
When we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be.... You beat us there, John. With many warm memories of Watchmen days, I look forward to seeing you there someday!
Margo Inskeep
May 14, 2019
You're in my thoughts and in my prayers, and I know your wonderful memories and your great faith will bring you comfort. Love to you, Margo
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